Life at Belle’s is simple and uncomplicated. In her I find a peace and tranquillity I have never known before and I am able to quietly channel my creativity freely as often as time allows. I am fortunate enough to be able to create an aesthetic which suits me alone and I never take for granted that privilege. Belle’s now whitewashed walls offer a simple back drop for my many trinkets and treasures and in truth I spend little time faffing these days happy instead to just be. Still, I like to ring the seasonal changes with a few homemade decorations for her and so today, do join me for what I believe to be simple autumn decorating ideas any one of us can create for the rooms in our homes…
In last week’s autumn post, a dear reader mentioned how investing in a few simple toolbox essentials helps so much in projects like these. How true this is and quite simply a glue gun and a pair of scissors together with string and off-cuts of wire will suffice for all this week’s autumnal vibes, starting with a welcoming and rustic wreath for Belle’s door. The structure of the wreath is ages old and to it I have hot glued firstly crisp maple leaves and then topped with dried woodland and garden finds using floristry wire for the heavier cones. A length of raffia keeps the wild look going.
Regular readers of my blog may remember Doris who has rung several seasonal changes with her attire and many of you enjoyed her creative getups. Master M was never too impressed with her presence and shortly after the arrival of this beautiful pair, Doris began an enforced sabbatical in a corner of our garage. I do believe her day will surely come again. Meanwhile, we do have a mini Doris who is upping her game from naked glamour in the bedroom to seasonal style at Belle’s. To create this autumn decor idea, I carefully overlapped and glued tiny dried hydrangea petals to an off-cut of wire manipulated into a loose V shape and draped around MD’s neckline. Now where couldn’t you hang this in your home?
The next of my simple autumn decorating ideas will be prevalent on our Christmas table. For those of you offended, I am sorry, it is however time that word is aired. I have a few exciting posts coming up to share where reference must be made and where you will see how I intend to use several of these mini wreaths to decorate. For now, the pretty decoration rests on my wot-not wire shelves. Again, nothing more taxing than delicate hydrangea petals simply hot glued to flexible wire, this time a small circular shape, together with a tiny cluster of dried and inherited white summer flowers. Does anyone know what these tiny flowers might be?
And then a twist on last week’s extremely popular dried flower garland. A delicate rustic garland incorporating tiny heads of echinops with mini orange pompoms and hydrangea petals, all simply glued to natural twine giving a flexible and colourful edge to an otherwise unfussy window sill.
A neutral rustic confit pot needs little more than a bunch of dried cottage garden flora to emphasis its beauty whilst to this miniature bowl of homemade pot pourri, I’ve added a few drops of this and this warming essential oil and topped off with decorative star anise and a few cloves for added comfort. Dried kitchen herbs add a delightful smell to a small room such as a cloakroom, scullery or in this case, Belle.
I’m prepared to commit to paper the following. I spent absolutely no money at all on any of these simple autumn decorating ideas. Not one penny. And if I dare to be so bold, I’ll bet you could create something similar completely free of charge too. If we remember to substitute something we don’t have, with that which we do, all creativity is possible.
Very soon Belle’s sweet potbellied stove will be lit, cushions will be piled high and additional blankets will offer hygge in abundance. I need no excuse to switch on the many fairy lights at Belle’s and light endless candles, although the shorter days fast approaching usually indicate to me it is indeed time to start. As we hunker down for colder months ahead, Belle’s magical atmosphere will spark in me many more ideas for gifts, crafts and decorations for our homes and loved ones which I hope to bring to you over the following weeks. Next week though, I have a very different post. It’s a story of a fairy-tale day out I know every one of you will want to read. An enchanting account of grown up magic and wonder you really do not want to miss… until then x
There are more simple autumn decorating ideas to inspire here and here…
I just love reading your blogs, such fabulous craft ideas from foraging in the garden and autumnal walks.🍂 I’m going to make some mini wreaths and put on Christmas gifts. Thank you Helen, for all the work you put in for us all to enjoy 😘
Well that comment has just made my day Annie, you are so welcome. I am a lucky lady that I get to share my hobby with so many creative souls all over the world from home. I still marvel at how unreal that really is. Do let us have a peek when you’ve made your beautiful wreathes, those who receive them as gifts will be so happy. Thank you for being in my comments box and for all your insta love too!x
‘If we remember to substitute something we don’t have, with that which we do, all creativity is possible‘ is such a lovely quote which i shall make sure to remember for the future ! You never cease to amaze me with your creativity!
Oh do you think so darling? I made that one up as well!! This comment was such a lovely surprise, thank you darling for reading and being in my comments box, especially while you’re away… it made me smile out loud x
Once again Helen a lovely blog and a joy to read.. the small hydrangea wreath and tiny garland is a definite to ‘have a go’ at.. thank you 😊 and to your adorable model ‘Belle’ for the inspiration ♥️ x
Oh I am so happy you like the crafts this week Alison, thank you for your lovely comment. I am really pleased with how the garland in particular is looking on the windowsill at Belle’s, so much the so the glue gun has been out to create a few more! Have a wonderful week ahead x
I don’t know how you do it girl but I am impressed with your clever ideas and inspiration. I just love ALL of your creations and I display the ones you have given me over the years with great pride. 🥰 Poor Doris being left in the garage!! 😕I hope she ventures back into your home soon dressed in all her glory!!!😆🧣📿
So looking forward to next week’s magical story. xx
It is wonderful to have such a supportive community to share these ideas with Christine. Yes poor Doris indeed, consigned to a black plastic bin bag (for protection apparently) she was never really embraced by the M’s… The Spotty One threatened to treat her as he does all trees which alarmed me a little. For now she is probably better off where she is…x
You are the queen of warm words and wonderful inspiration Helen! Thank you for sharing so many fabulous ideas!
What a wonderful comment to read this wet and blustery day Claire, thank you. I am truly lucky to have such wonderful supportive readers and friends x
Beautiful and inspiring as always..xxx
Thank you so much lovely friend…x
I just love all the ideas you share here! I am going to try these today. Are the little white flowers heads feverfew? If I can make a couple of these wreaths, or a garland…I will share them on my blog, and tell them where I got the ideas from. Thank you.
Debbie
xo
Ok so …. how come I had no idea you write a blog Debbie???!! Oh my word, so checking that out tonight, I can only imagine how much I am going to love it if your Instagram account is anything to go by. I would love to see what you will make and a mention would be wonderful, thank you so much! I don’t think these flowers are feverfew as these are all white; one reader suggested on Instagram they are probably one of the larger gypsophilas. Very sweet whatever they are!x
This is a an absolute joy to read Helen. Super ideas! I love anything teeny and the mini wreath and garland are wonderful!
I look forward to reading your next post.
Jane x
Thank you so much Jane for your lovely message; I too love teeny tiny and Belle is the perfect place for it! I’m so happy you enjoyed the read today and look forward to seeing you in my comments box again!x
I love the wreath absolutely beautifully simple, you have an amazing eye for these things! Loved this post and can’t wait for the magical story of next week! Xxxxxx
Ahh, thank you darling, I suspect this wreath will not stay at Belle’s for too long in that case!!x
Beautiful as always sweetie 💓
You are too lovely Rach, thanks for joining in and leaving me a comment!x
Oh Helen I love the way you can transform the simplest of things into pretty little works if art. I really need to start opening my eyes to more possibilities from things in my garden. I just lookout at the garden and see everything dying into Autumn whereas you see endless crafting possibilities. You have sprinkled your magic yet again. Xx
What a lovely message to get Helen, thank you. I can just see the beautiful flowers you have been posting on your Instagram account this year drying beautifully… especially those fabulous dahlias… something tells me you’ll be on it next summer!x